Four arrested, $700m of ephedrine seized in Melbourne bust

Federal authorities have seized 1.3 tonnes of ephedrine valued at almost $700 million in a major organised crime bust in Melbourne.

The joint investigation by the Australian Federal Police and Australian Border Force also netted four arrests over the seizure of the drug manufacturing precursor chemical.

The investigation began when the Chinese National Narcotics Control Commission contacted Australia’s Taskforce Blaze, the AFP said.

“It is estimated 1.3 tonnes of ephedrine has the potential to make 922 kilograms of methamphetamine, with an estimated street value of approximately $691.5 million. This equates to more than 9.2 million street deals of methamphetamine,” an AFP statement said.